By News Editor
KOTA KINABALU: Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin (pic) says he bears no grudge towards the Umno leaders who objected to his appointment to lead Umno’s election machinery during the Sabah polls.
“Several people not agreeing, that is fine. We respect differing views but as the leader (in Sabah), I am focused on strengthening all the party machineries.
“There are no hard feelings, we should be wise in handling such issues as we are currently in a battle. We cannot make mistakes in war. What is required is preparing our ammunition,” the Sabah Umno chairman told reporters at a press conference at the Sabah Umno building on Saturday (Aug 22).
Earlier this week, Umno supreme council member Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Dahlan represented 12 party division chiefs to voice their disagreement, calling the appointment a “suicidal move”.
He said having Bung Moktar – who is currently facing corruption charges – would jeopardise the party’s chances of winning.
While Bung Moktar admitted that these “differences” might affect election preparations, he assured that there was ample time to remedy things.
He added that for the Tuaran division which Abdul Rahman heads, the party division deputy chief will be there to carry out the responsibilities at the grassroots level.
On a question whether disciplinary actions would be taken against Abdul Rahman’s camp, Bung Moktar said that was up to the party’s top leadership.
Asked about the logo to be used during the polls, he said Sabah Barisan Nasional will use its own logo and that ongoing negotiations with partners in Sabah are expected to be finalised by the end of the month.
To another question about him contesting, Bung simply replied; “Insyaallah, any pending court case won’t stop me from campaigning.
Bung also responded to another question, saying that Tan Sri Musa Aman had not approached him on re-contesting.
He also announced Kimanis MP Mohamad Alamin will be the Sabah Barisan election machinery operations director.
“Mohamad is not contesting in the state polls and he has experience contesting in Kimanis (earlier this year). I think he is the best candidate to move the machinery to work,” Bung added.–The Star
